Men’s Anxiety & Performance Support
Evidence-Based Strategies for Stress, Intimacy, and Avoidance
Anxiety in men is often misunderstood. It rarely looks like the stereotypical "worrier." Instead, it frequently manifests as a drive for perfectionism, unexplained irritability, or a sudden "mental block" during high-stakes moments. Whether it is a boardroom presentation or a moment of intimacy, the underlying mechanism is the same: your nervous system is perceiving a threat where there is none.
I provide specialized, goal-oriented therapy for men across Oregon who are ready to move past the "performance" and start living with more agency and confidence.
The Mechanics of Men’s Anxiety
Anxiety is a physiological event as much as a mental one. When you experience pressure, your body activates the Sympathetic Nervous System, the "fight-or-flight" response. For many men, this leads to a phenomenon called "Spectatoring."
Instead of being present in the moment, you become a critic watching your own performance from the sidelines. This internal pressure creates a feedback loop:
The Trigger: A social event, a work deadline, or a physical intimate encounter.
The Assessment: "What if I fail?" or "What if they notice I’m nervous?"
The Response: Cortisol and adrenaline flood the system, diverting blood flow and focus away from "rest and digest" functions and toward survival.
The Result: Physical symptoms like chest tightness, rapid heart rate, or psychogenic erectile dysfunction (ED).
Clinical Specializations for Men
Performance & Social Anxiety
Do you find yourself over-preparing for meetings or avoiding social gatherings because the "energy cost" is too high? We use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify the core beliefs that fuel this social pressure, allowing you to engage with others without the constant need to "self-monitor."
The Mind-Body Connection & Sexual Health
Intimacy is often the first area of life to be impacted by chronic stress. I specialize in helping men navigate the intersection of anxiety and sexual health. By addressing the "sexual brakes" such as shame, performance pressure, and body image concerns, we can quiet the mental noise and restore a healthy connection to your body.
High-Functioning Stress & Burnout
Many men "white-knuckle" their way through anxiety for years by over-working. This eventually leads to burnout, irritability, and a loss of libido. We work on Psychological Flexibility, the ability to be present and open even when life is demanding.
A Strategic Approach to Therapy
I treat therapy like a high-yield investment. My approach is rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)and Somatic Grounding, focusing on:
Nervous System Regulation: Learning how to manually "down-regulate" your stress response in real-time.
Cognitive Defusion: Learning to see your anxious thoughts as "data" rather than "truth."
Actionable Homework: Providing tools you can use between sessions to see measurable progress.
Telehealth for Men Across Oregon
Confidentiality and convenience are the pillars of my practice. Whether you are in Portland, Bend, or rural Oregon, I provide secure, HIPAA-compliant Telehealth sessions. This allows you to integrate mental performance work into your schedule without the commute, ensuring a private environment that fits your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see results?
While every person is different, many men begin to notice a shift in their "stress baseline" within 4 to 6 sessions. Our goal is to give you a "toolkit" that you can use for the rest of your life.
Do I have to talk about my childhood?
While your history is important, my approach is forward-looking. We look at the past only to understand the "scripts" that are currently holding you back, then we focus on the tactical changes you can make today.
Is Telehealth as effective as in-person therapy for anxiety?
Research consistently shows that Telehealth is just as effective as in-person care for anxiety disorders. In many cases, it is more effective for men because it allows them to practice grounding techniques in the very environment where they feel the most stress.at sets us apart isn’t just our process, it’s the intention behind it. We take time to understand, explore, and create with purpose at every turn.